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auto safety

Study Finds Automatic Emergency Braking Cuts Front-Rear Crashes in Half — But Automakers Are Suing to Block it From Being Standard

Study Finds Automatic Emergency Braking Cuts Front-Rear Crashes in Half — But Automakers Are Suing to Block it From Being Standard

by | Feb 4, 2025 | , , , , ,

The car in front of you slams on the brakes. But you’re busy adjusting your vehicle’s climate settings and don’t notice. Luckily, your SUV is equipped with automatic emergency braking. It flashes a warning on the windshield, blares an alert and then slams on the brakes without your assistance, preventing a crash. A new study finds that vehicles with AEB technology are 49% less likely to be involved in front-to-rear crashes. Yet, a trade group representing a broad list of automakers has sued the federal government over rules that would make sure the technology is a standard feature by 2029.

Californians Could Soon Get Warned Every Time They Speed

Californians Could Soon Get Warned Every Time They Speed

by | Sep 9, 2024 | , , , , ,

It’s now up to California Gov. Gavin Newsom to decide whether to sign a new bill that would require automakers to install a “passive intelligent speed assistance system” into all new vehicles sold in the state starting no later than 2030. Lawmakers sent the governor the measure as part of a crackdown on speeding – which is reportedly involved in a third of the state’s fatal crashes. The measure mandates the use of a warning device but some safety advocates want to go further, installing speed limiters.

Ford Patent Could Let Cars Tattle on Speeders

Ford Patent Could Let Cars Tattle on Speeders

by | Aug 2, 2024 | , , , , , , , , ,

Ford applied for a patent for a new system that could allow a driver to monitor whether other vehicles are speeding, information that could then be reported to police – though the automaker says it sees the technology as a way to make it even easier for cops to crack down on speeders. Meanwhile, Ford and other automakers face new legislation that could require future vehicles to come with speed limiters.

Automakers Demand Rollback of New Pedestrian Safety Rules

Automakers Demand Rollback of New Pedestrian Safety Rules

by | Jun 28, 2024 | , , , , , , , , ,

With fatalities rising fast, NHTSA has enacted rules requiring the use of sophisticated detection and auto-braking technologies intended to protect pedestrian – as well as those riding bicycles and motorcycles. But automakers are pushing back, claiming they can’t meet the new mandates set to go into effect in 2029.

California Wants to Require Automakers to Install Speed Limiters

California Wants to Require Automakers to Install Speed Limiters

by | Mar 4, 2024 | , , , , , , , ,

California lawmakers are considering a bill that could require new vehicles to come with an “intelligent speed limiter” that, in most instances, would prevent motorists from driving more than 10 mph above the speed limit. Such devices have also been recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board, though that has gained little traction on a federal level.

Tesla Autopilot Takes New Heat – And California Says the Name is Part of the Problem

Tesla Autopilot Takes New Heat – And California Says the Name is Part of the Problem

by | Dec 12, 2023 | , , , , , , ,

Tesla is coming under more intense fire as a result of a series of crashes involving its Autopilot system. The NTSB wants the automaker to block its use on roads where it’s not safe to operate. And California regulators say the name, Autopilot, is itself false and misleading and should be changed.